Pages

Monday, 30 November 2009

I was at the launch of the craftscotland "C" Word advertisement launch on Friday evening. It was exciting to see lots of people enthused about craft - there I've gone and spoiled it for you! Lots of people talking about craft and their reactions to it and how to promote it.

The campaign has a nice logo too which you can see at the foot of the page. Follow the links for more information on this high profile campaign.

Saturday, 21 November 2009

Parade Artists are holding Christmas Shows on the last weekend of November and the 1st weekend of December. I will be participating in this again, but changing things a little. As my studio is just off the main gallery area of the building, I am going to have an open studio, with work displayed among the working elements of the studio.

I do have to show you the post card that has been developed, as one of my pieces is on the front. You are allowed to guess!

The Show will be held on Saturday 28th from 11 to 5 and on Sunday 29th from 12 to 4. I know! artists just can't get up on Sunday morinings! The show will be open for the same hours on Saturday December 5th and Sunday 6th.

As you can see from the card there is a variety of things on display. There will be even more people exhibiting this year. If you can, come and enjoy a little tipple.

Friday, 20 November 2009

I note Emma Walker’s encouragement for us all to embrace the DIY movement in the craftscotland website.

The idea of DIY craft has had to be explained to me. Emma gives a good description of what it is in the USA. My description is “Enthusiast”. Because craft is still largely an activity carried out by the person who imagines the object that they then create, it is still largely DIY. Technology increasingly plays a part in craft production and processes. But this is not about technology as far as I can see it.

It may be that I am being dense here, but I think I have been encouraging people to explore my medium for over 10 years. I have offered workshops and classes to many people. The studio I have been involved with, has offered open access facilities for people to create things for themselves. Some of these people have become dedicated workers – although not many have become full time workers. Most who have continued, make things for themselves and others. A few sell their work at craft fairs and through galleries.

This is what I understand the DIY movement people do too. I am not sure what has changed. Is it the volume of people newly interested in making things themselves? A number of suppliers of materials for various craft forms have long been kept alive by these enthusiasts/DIYers.